I have designed a seesaw in conjunction with a canopy structure that generates a cooling effect when in use. Without using electrical energy or powerful chemicals like hydrofluorocarbons, this play structure for urban playgrounds will help reduce the urban heat island effect. By choosing thermally comfortable materials, like wood, terracotta, and recycled HDPE, Breezy Bird can increase playtime and reduce heat-related injuries or illnesses. Breezy Bird is not your average seesaw. As Breezy Bird is teeter-tottered, the up and down motion that is generated through play will slide these pistons forward and backward. This gear translates the oscillatory motion to rotary motion. By using miter gears in combination with a flexible shaft, a fan is spun, cooling the users! The canopy, while also containing the gear system and fans, acts as a shading element, which increases the cooling effect.
PLA, nylon, vinyl, acrylic paint. 1:12 scale